Ukraine News:

Fencer Wins Ukraine’s First Medal at Paris Olympics

Written by Edda Bevilacqua

Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan won a bronze medal in the women’s individual saber competition in Paris, defeating South Korea’s Sebin Choi, 15-14. It was Ukraine’s first medal of the Paris Olympic Games and the first since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, 2022. 

Kharlan said, “I’m really happy and sad at the same time, because my country goes through this moment, the war.” At one point in the competition, she was trailing 12-7. Then the crowd, including many Ukrainians, began to cheer for her. She grew stronger and came back to win the bronze medal. Kharlan is a five-time Olympian, with a total of one gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Kharlan said of her Paris medal: “All the sacrifices, all the tragic moments. It’s special because it’s for my country.”